The Conscious Nematode: Exploring Hallmarks of Minimal Phenomenal Consciousness in Caenorhabditis Elegans
| Autor: | Diego Becerra, Andrea Calixto, Patricio Orio |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | English<br />Spanish; Castilian |
| Rok vydání: | 2023 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | International Journal of Psychological Research, Vol 16, Iss 2 (2023) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 20112084 2011-2084 2011-7922 |
| DOI: | 10.21500/20112084.6487 |
| Popis: | While subcellular components of cognition and affectivity that involve the interaction between experience, environment, and physiology —such as learning, trauma, or emotion— are being identified, the physical mechanisms of phenomenal consciousness remain more elusive. We are interested in exploring whether ancient, simpler organisms such as nematodes have minimal consciousness. Is there something that feels like to be a worm? Or are worms blind machines? ‘Simpler’ models allow us to simultaneously extract data from multiple levels such as slow and fast neural dynamics, structural connectivity, molecular dynamics, behavior, decision making, etc., and thus, to test predictions of the current frameworks in dispute. In the present critical review, we summarize the current models of consciousness in order to reassess in light of the new evidence whether Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode with a nervous system composed of 302 neurons, has minimal consciousness. We also suggest empirical paths to further advance consciousness research using C. elegans. |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
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